How I Got Here: Isabel Delgado Translates Startup Hustle to Fine Jewelry

By Karen Dybis | February 25, 2026

Isabel Delgado (pictured) remembers one quote from her information systems professor at the University of Texas: “To survive in business, one needs to adapt their business model or become obsolete.”

It’s a lesson Delgado says she has used again and again, while working at a tech startup after college and upon entering the world of fine jewelry. Being nimble means staying on top of what’s trending, what her customers want, and what Delgado considers jewelry must-haves.

The must-haves from Isabel Delgado Jewelry feature the finest-quality gemstones Delgado can source. Her Dallas-based brand uses New York City–based manufacturers to get the best craftsmanship. And, despite rising prices and tariffs, Delgado says she always will work with gold—the heavier, the better.

“I have a very specific tactile philosophy: If I can’t ‘feel the weight’ on my skin, I don’t want it. I’ve always been particular about the heft of a piece; to me, luxury should be felt,” Delgado says.

Isabel G shaker — Isabel Delgado Jewelry’s Shifted Shaker hoop earrings ($18,000), in 18k gold with 6.15 cts. t.w. in diamonds, and initial pendant ($15,000), in 14k gold with 1.73 cts. t.w. mixed-cut diamonds, on heavy paper-clip necklace ($21,000), in 14k gold with 1.2 cts. t.w. pavé diamonds

“While I’ve had to adapt certain designs—like earrings—to ensure they remain comfortable for daily wear, I refuse to sacrifice substance for the sake of gold prices,” she says. “Even as the market fluctuates, my approach is to simplify a design but not lose the gold weight.”

Delgado’s admiration for, and insistence on, the finest materials in her jewelry comes from her parents. When she was growing up, her parents frequently hosted elegant dinners and large parties, and Delgado’s earliest jewelry memory is watching her mother prepare for those evenings.

“She always looked, and still looks, impeccable. My father would gift her extraordinary pieces, including many heirlooms from my great-grandmother, such as vibrant Colombian emeralds, Kashmir sapphires, and natural pearl necklaces. Seeing her wear those treasures ignited my appreciation for diamonds and colored gemstones.”

Delgado was born in Monterrey, Mexico, the youngest of four children. Her family traveled extensively, yet home was important: She has fond memories of weekends at the family ranch, horseback riding, motorcycling, and fishing.

She went on to study psychology and business at UT in Austin, graduating in 2015. That combination of understanding both human behavior and business logistics has been a keystone to running her own jewelry business today, says Delgado.

Isabel Delgado ruby necklace — *Delgado says she fashioned this Burmese pigeon blood ruby necklace (price on request) after the kind of jewelry the Romanovs wore at the Winter Palace.*

After college, Delgado worked for two years at Kinedu, a then-new app for parents of infants and toddlers. Her role as a junior growth manager taught her how to develop a product’s visual identity, analyze user needs through feedback, and scale a brand through strategic marketing.

“It gave me my first taste of the startup hustle, learning how to pivot quickly when faced with setbacks,” she says. “When I joined, we were a small team of only five people, which meant we had to be incredibly flexible and wear many hats. That experience taught me that while I valued the skills I was gaining, working for someone else wasn’t my ultimate path.”

In 2018, Delgado took a side gig selling jewelry on consignment for a brand called Oro Blanco. She challenged herself: If she could earn double her salary through jewelry in a single month, she would quit her job. She hit that goal immediately.

A move to Switzerland for her husband’s master’s degree was another turning point. Delgado became immersed in the European luxury market and prestigious shows in Basel and Geneva, and started commuting to London for GIA classes. Once she had transitioned from passionate enthusiast to certified industry expert, she started her eponymous brand in 2020.

“My philosophy is rooted in integrity and investment. Having worked with various manufacturers globally, I realized that to build a lasting brand, you must only sell pieces you would personally invest in,” Delgado says.

(Photos courtesy of Isabel Delgado Jewelry)